Preston eight-year-old on track to be youngest person to visit 197 countries through ‘world schooling’

An eight-year-old boy from Preston has just become one of the youngest British people to visit Antarctica and all seven continents in the world.

James Meconi is on track to hold the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person to visit all sovereign states – a total of 197 countries.

He is currently being ‘world schooled’ where he has had science lessons on board the HX Hurtigruten Expeditions ship with leading experts and specialist laboratories.

James on board the HX Hurtigruten Expeditions ship.

His mum, Hayley said travelling opened their eyes to whole new perspectives, cultures and religions.

“We had always tried to fit our travels as much as possible around the British education system and school year but it proved impossible to do, hence why we have decided to world school Jamie. He now has the best of both worlds with a personal tutor to help him with his maths and English then learning from those we meet on our adventures.

“Jamie’s adventures have seen him plant trees in the Borneo rainforest and help build a school In Tanzania. The fundraiser for Tanzania provided education materials, essential medical supplies and a safe place for hundreds of children. He has raised awareness and funding for the children of the Omo Valley tribes in Ethiopia and this is just the beginning.

“I have watched my little human grow into the most wonderful and kind little boy and I am so incredibly proud to be his mum. We have built a whole lifetime of memories together and now we share more precious moments with my new husband too. Life is not always perfect, but we are and always will be our perfect”

The pair had never planned to gain a world record status. They set out on an adventure after losing James’ father aged 36, when he was just a six-month-old baby.

At eight years old James is now at 85 countries.

He said: “I loved going on safari in the Serengeti and seeing the big five. I also got to experience living as a Masai warrior and that was an amazing time.”

His mum, Hayley found a way to turn her passion for travel into a business where she has helped over 28,000 families across the globe.

You can find out more about their story on their website.

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